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In the 1530s, Thomas Cranmer rejected the notion that penitential acts helped a sinner become worthy of forgiveness because of Erasmus's teachings. According to Erasmus, true Christianity was drawn from the teachings in the New Testament; it focuses more on man's internal dispositions. The heart of Christianity, therefore, was a realistic programme of love rooted on a scriptural understanding of human conditions and virtues. Erasmus's work on contrition and confession described personal piety that led to pardon; one has to detest sin and, by God's love, intend to commit no further sin....

In the 1530s, Thomas Cranmer rejected the notion that penitential acts helped a sinner become worthy of forgiveness because of Erasmus's teachings. According to Erasmus, true Christianity was drawn from the teachings in the New Testament; it focuses more on man's internal dispositions. The heart of Christianity, therefore, was a realistic programme of love rooted on a scriptural understanding of human conditions and virtues. Erasmus's work on contrition and confession described personal piety that led to pardon; one has to detest sin and, by God's love, intend to commit no further sin. Erasmus emphasized how God granted contrition as a divine gift to those who are really sincere about turning their servile fear into filial fear.